With pubs and restaurants back in full swing, Essex’s Wicks Manor is firing up the ovens again, supplying its premium pork to eateries across the UK.
From Lockdown Lows to Export Highs
Lockdown hit hard. Nearly half of Wicks Manor’s sales vanish overnight as pubs and restaurants closed. But the family-run farm didn’t sit idle. It doubled down on exports, tapping booming markets in the Middle East and Asia.
Thanks to help from the Department for International Trade (DIT), Wicks Manor has skyrocketed exports since April – with sales now up 100% in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Family Farm Finds Salvation Abroad
Owner Fergus Howie revealed international trade has kept the business afloat during the crisis:
“Our exports usually account for 20% of sales, but since April that’s jumped to 40%. This pandemic has shown just how crucial it is to diversify.
We’re focused on growing exports while prepping to reopen for UK pubs and restaurants.
Big thanks to the Department for International Trade – their support opening new markets has been invaluable. I urge other UK food producers to explore exports too.”
Quality Control from Farm to Fork
- Wicks Manor’s pigs are born and bred on the farm or sourced locally.
- They’re fed grains grown on-site for top-quality meat.
- The pork is prepared and packed at the family butchery, ensuring full control from start to finish.
The firm started exporting back in 2010, landing a Dubai supermarket deal. Today it sells in 10 global markets, especially popular with British expats craving a taste of home.
Keeping Staff and Stock Safe
Thanks to export growth, Wicks Manor kept almost all 45 staff employed and avoided food waste during the pandemic.
Government Backs British Food Exports
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss praised companies like Wicks Manor:
“Even during tough times, demand for British produce is strong worldwide.
Exports will be key to kicking UK’s post-Covid economy back into gear. We’re committed to better trade deals that open doors for UK businesses.
Now’s the time for more firms to follow Wicks Manor’s lead and showcase British produce globally.”
Last month, the UK Government announced plans to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aiming to boost trade.
In 2019, the UK exported £107.4 million worth of bacon, ham, sausages, and related products – a 9.3% rise on 2018.
